OVNI - 2008 07 - July-August

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: July/August 2008
Publisher: The Phenomenon Research Association
Tagline: The Journal for the discerning researcher

This issue of OVNI magazine delves into recent UFO activity and historical cases, with a strong focus on UK sightings and encounters. It highlights the increased media attention following the release of Ministry of Defence (MOD) UFO files, alongside detailed accounts of specific incidents and a notable contactee experience.

The Press Discover UFO's!

The lead article discusses the surge in media interest in UFOs, triggered by the release of a small number of UFO files by the MOD. The article notes that this has led to a 'headline grabbing' frenzy, with some reports dating back over 25 years. It mentions the possibility of seeing unusual phenomena in the night skies and highlights a recent incident reported by a Mr. Johnston of Bedlington, north of Newcastle, who observed light sources at high altitude circling and zigzagging. A BUFORA researcher in Newcastle is investigating this report.

The article also presents a selection of recent news snippets, including a 'Sun' newspaper report about families in Basingstoke claiming to have witnessed a dozen glowing orange objects. David Osborne, who captured the phenomenon on video, described his adrenaline-pumping experience. Another snippet mentions an 'alien fleet' hovering over Basingstoke for half an hour.

UFO spotted by police helicopter

This section details an incident where a police helicopter crew in the Vale of Glamorgan spotted an unusual aircraft. The helicopter was above St Athan, near Cardiff International Airport, when the three-man crew observed the object. Despite being described as experienced, they could not capture images before the object vanished over the Bristol Channel on June 8th. South Wales Police confirmed the sighting was reported for investigation. A police spokesperson stated that a variety of aircraft exist, and it's probable one was in the area. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson claimed no knowledge of the incident. Cardiff International Airport confirmed air traffic control provided services to the helicopter. Additionally, a Cardiff pensioner, George Withrington, an ex-RAF glider pilot, reported seeing a similar object with flashing lights on the same day.

Southampton's UFO Mystery

This article revisits the ongoing UFO mystery in Southampton, reporting that more evidence of triangle and cube-shaped objects has emerged. Several readers have come forward with footage and photographs of UFOs hovering above Shirley and Millbrook. Dilys Bartlett and her family captured footage on June 1st. The article expresses skepticism from UFONEWS UK Magazine editor Steve Gerrard, who questions why witnesses didn't come forward sooner and suggests the sightings might be kite or radio-controlled, especially in a densely populated area. The mystery is described as 'X Files style,' with a silent, spinning black triangle reportedly filmed three times over Southampton in the past month. A video captured by a passenger in a car under the Millbrook flyover is highlighted as particularly clear. Southampton Airport launched an investigation after a public inquiry about a black triangle sighting near Millbrook.

A CONTACT CASE OF INTEREST

By Omar Fowler

This section introduces a significant case following the Ministry of Defence's release of UFO files. The article focuses on the experience of Mr. Alfred Burtoo, a 77-year-old fisherman and local historian from Aldershot, Hampshire, who had a contact experience on August 12th, 1983. Omar Fowler, along with Timothy Good, was among the first investigators to interview Mr. Burtoo, noting that he recounted his experience without regressive hypnosis. The article contrasts this account with others, mentioning that some reports have ridiculed the incident or misrepresented details, such as the location (Berkshire instead of Hampshire) and the nature of the alien figures' communication (beckoning rather than speaking).

Mr. Burtoo's account is described as fascinating, particularly his unfamiliarity with the interior of the 'Saucer.' Key details mentioned include the brightness of the UFO's light, the smooth appearance of the structure, a central 'tube,' and the light emanating from the walls rather than fittings. Mr. Burtoo reportedly had no prior interest in UFOs and continued his fishing immediately after the encounter.

THE STRANGE CASE OF MR BURTOO 12-8-1983

By Omar Fowler

This article provides a detailed narrative of Alfred Burtoo's encounter. While night fishing on the Basingstoke Canal, Alfred observed a light approaching rapidly. The object, described as low and fast, eventually hovered about five hundred yards away and three hundred feet up before descending behind trees. Alfred, initially unfamiliar with UFOs, noted the object's brilliance and the presence of smaller lights through the trees. His dog began to growl as two small, human-like figures, about four feet tall and wearing one-piece suits with visors, approached him. Despite his age and initial surprise, Alfred followed them. He described the craft as a large, metallic circular object straddling the towpath, approximately 45 feet in diameter. He entered the craft via a ladder and found the interior hexagonal with large panels and a central column. The figures communicated with him, asking his age and ultimately dismissing him as "too old and infirm for our purpose." The craft then ascended rapidly, disappearing towards the southwest. Alfred returned to his fishing, catching several fish, and later reported losing significant weight and experiencing deteriorating health after the encounter. He died on August 31st, 1986, and wished to be buried under a table-top headstone, apparently concerned about his body being retrieved.

Salamanca (Spain) Cathedral Frontage : Built 1102

This short piece highlights an unusual relief figure discovered on the wall of Salamanca Cathedral in Spain. The figure appears to depict a fully uniformed astronaut with corrugated boot soles and possibly an umbilical system. While the stonework's weathering suggests it might be more recent, possibly from a 2006 restoration project, it has generated interest. The article contrasts this with a 4,500 BC Sumerian tablet showing the Sun at the center of the solar system, questioning the age and origin of the 'astronaut' carving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and related phenomena, particularly those occurring in the UK. There is a clear interest in eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and the release of official documents concerning UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed case studies like the Alfred Burtoo incident and recent sightings, while also acknowledging skepticism and media sensationalism. The inclusion of the Salamanca Cathedral carving suggests an interest in historical anomalies that might relate to ancient astronaut theories or unexplained artifacts.

This issue of OVNI, dated May 29, 2008, features a prominent headline about a UFO being blamed for a mystery explosion in Vietnam. The magazine covers a diverse range of topics including UFO sightings, space exploration, and scientific phenomena.

UFO Blamed for Mystery Explosion in Vietnam

An article by John Bingham of the Daily Telegraph reports on a mysterious mid-air explosion over Vietnam. Islanders on Phu Quoc, near the coast of Cambodia, heard a loud bang and witnessed shards of metal falling. Local forces were mobilized to search for survivors. Officials estimated the incident occurred about five miles up, but airlines in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand reported no lost planes. The island's military chief, Col Nguyen Van Qui, described the craft as an "unidentified flying object." There was initial confusion, with the deputy commander of the Cambodian air force suggesting a foreign plane crash, a claim later retracted. Villagers in Kampot also reported hearing an explosion and finding metal fragments. One theory suggests a military aircraft on a secret mission, but its origin remains unclaimed. The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported the explosion happened about 8km above ground, possibly a plane, but authorities were uncertain if it was military.

UFO Spotted in NE Skies

An article by Nigel Burton details a photograph taken by Barry Knaggs in Spennymoor, County Durham, UK. Mr. Knaggs, 61, found an image on his digital camera that, upon zooming, appeared like a "typical fuzzy photo of a flying saucer." Investigator Gloria Dixon of Bufora stated that more information is needed to confirm the object's nature, noting that many sightings have earthly explanations, such as birds appearing elongated in video footage (termed 'blurfo'). However, Mr. Knaggs believes the object is distant but solid, with light reflecting off its surface.

Earthquake Clouds Seen Again!

This section discusses linear cloud formations observed in China prior to the Sichuan earthquake and reported by readers in California and Seattle, with a notable series photographed by pilots in Japan. The article references an issue of New Scientist magazine (April 11, 2008). Geophysicists Guangmeng Guo and Bin Wang observed a gap in clouds over an active fault in Iran that precisely matched the fault line. This coincided with higher ground temperatures. Sixty-nine days later, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the region. A similar cloud formation reappeared in December 2005, preceding a magnitude 6 earthquake sixty-four days later. Guo and Wang propose that hot gases from the fault or ionisation might cause these formations. Friedemann Freund at NASA Ames Research Center noted that squeezed rocks can form positively charged ions. The authors suggest these formations could aid in earthquake prediction, but seismologists like Mike Blanpied of the US Geological Survey are skeptical due to the lack of a physical model.

Exciting News from the Mars Phoenix Lander

This article reports on the Mars Phoenix Lander mission. An image taken by the Robotic Arm Camera shows an unusual light-colored substance near the lander, possibly ice uncovered by its braking jets during descent. The lander is expected to analyze this substance and dig into the soil to investigate Mars's water history and the potential for past life. Another section details the lander's descent, captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's HiRISE camera from 750 km above Mars. The lander deployed a parachute and used rockets for a soft landing in the northern polar region. A separate report from June 21, 2008, announces that NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Confirms Frozen Water. Principal Investigator Peter Smith of the University of Arizona expressed pride in confirming water ice and emphasized the importance of finding associated minerals, chemicals, and organic materials. A Reuters report by Jill Serjeant on June 26, 2008, states that "Flabbergasted" NASA scientists found Martian soil to be more alkaline than expected, potentially supporting life, though further work is needed.

Tale Enders

This section contains various brief items:

• Margaret Fry: The prominent Welsh UFO researcher has suffered a personal tragedy with the death of her husband, Ronald Ernest Fry, on April 25th.
• Busty Taylor & Maria Wheatley's Book Launch: Scheduled for July 19th, 2008, at the Waggon & Horses in Beckhampton, near Avebury, UK. The event is for their book launch and will include discussions on earth energy.
• Japanese Astronomers Are Looking for Aliens!: Japanese astronomers are undertaking an ambitious search for extraterrestrial life, using over twelve observatories to film a specific star and analyze its signals.
• October 23, 1987; Wytheville toward Fort Chiswell, Virginia: Danny Gordon and friends reported seeing a large V-shaped object make a 90-degree turn over Interstate 81, changing light colors.
• Strange Lights Over Belper (Derbys.) 28/29 June 08: A listener reported a loud tone and flashes of light, with subsequent reports on Radio Derby of strange lights seen above Belper.
• Busy Busy: The editor participated in three radio broadcasts and featured in a Central ITV documentary due to UFO news.

The Next PRA Meeting

Announces the next meeting of the PRA (presumably a UFO research group) to be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 8 pm at the Royal British Legion, Allenton, Derby. It will feature a DVD presentation by Jaime Maussan & Santiago Yturria and a UFO book raffle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena, space exploration (specifically Mars), and scientific investigations into natural phenomena like earthquakes. The magazine presents information from various sources, including news agencies, researchers, and scientific journals, with a clear interest in UFOs and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, allowing for speculation while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations where available. The inclusion of the "Tale Enders" section suggests a community-focused approach, sharing news about researchers and events within the UFO community.